Can We Have Change?

Roland · August 23, 2019

Now a very actual happening.

A 'Glib tongue Leader' after a couple of years trying, formed a South Road Club.

It became popular with many flying both ways for a start. To test the water, to see how it went etc.

They joined a federation etc.

However, they felt that it wasn't in their best interests and started to form their Federation.

There were a few fanciers from another area that showed interest in making the fed bigger etc.

There were meetings etc. and it was agreed that they could join under a few proviso's - none set in stane or enforceable of course.

But the extra birdage -MONEY!- was tempting!

So merrily they set out with high hopes and dreams of glory.

Many more from that area joined too.

Now one fancier alone, a millionaire sent over a 100 every race! Indeed that area sent 3-4 times as many birds. Further, it meant that the planning was, well merely stupid, and the greed and forethought were awash.

From the Race points in Devon / Cornwall, for example, they flew in a nigh straight line to Bedford / Luton etc. Whereas that meant they birds had to dog leg. They were resulting in the birds being at least 30 minutes behind EVERY week.

Let me say I first started up on my own in 1984, having moved to a new location. I was at the tail end of the first turning South but I concentrated on the north rd for many reasons that I have often spouted before â€¦ and may well do again lol.

Well thinking caps were put on.

So the main instigator form three of us to ee what we could do, if anything.

Long story short, our club resigned and went alone.

Overseas birds went in the nationals per usual. We decided on going to Fareham each week!

We, for two seasons, tried to get other clubs to join us â€¦ all to no avail. Our racing was far cheaper... times a lot better and a better percentage of birds making it back every week. Indeed at season's end, we were surprised how few the losses were.

Then we started showing up in the nationals! Yes, many said they would join in sending to the same site every week ... Boring, and that was, to a certain extent, very true! But now we were high up in National section, eventually winning some!- I had 11 different National winners which I flew with every week.

So many other clubs joined. We became pretty strong and had, in reality, a new federation of the old members! So change happens. It just takes the first step.

Yes, a walk of a thousand miles takes just one step to start.

Now, regardless of the pro and cons, I'd state that it's great to have variety.

But to be honest, our birds got to never circle from Fareham but headed straight home.

So I believe, that if I were still in the game, I would have a selection of birds just for the Nationals, where they would only ever be sent to not every week but saved to stay fresh, to that race point. Others for more enjoyment as the club wanted. Indeed I believe two races every week â€” one to Fareham and the other where ever.

So those that sit on the voting hands, most watching television at home, should get off their backsides and meet up NOW regularly and discuss ways and means to improve the sport, the losses and above all THE welfare of the pigeons that they spout they love!